From the ArcaMax Publishing, The You Docs Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/youdocs/s-560431-738626

Like heating and air conditioning, breathing is one of those things we take for granted when it's working. The trouble is, the body's main ventilation system has an "out of order" sign on it for a huge number of people. In fact, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) -- the umbrella name for chronic bronchitis and emphysema -- is currently the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and Canada.

Smoking is the prime risk factor for COPD, but plenty of nonsmokers get it, too. Yes, secondhand smoke and other lung irritants like pollution jack up your susceptibility. But the big news is that what you put on your plate can inflate your risk -- or let the air out.

The same stuff that makes your waistline and heart disease risk balloon inflates your chances of getting COPD -- specifically, eating a typical Western diet of refined grains, cured and red meats, desserts and fatty foods like French fries and nachos. Nasty nitrites found in processed meats, along with the high glycemic load of refined grains, desserts and sweets, may inflame your breathing apparatus and ultimately damage it. But generous portions of fruit, veggies, fish and whole grains may help bring you a breath of fresh air.

Another way to keep your breathing apparatus healthy: Get enough vitamin D. This vitamin may be able to help put out the fire of inflammation that leads to chronic lung disease. How much is enough? 1,000 IU every day if you're under age 60; 1,200 if you're older than that.

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The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

It is said that one of the most characteristic of a living thing is that it must Breathe.

So to have good health and always breathe properly ,we need to avoid whatever that can block the lungs and inhibit breathing.

Like heating and air conditioning, breathing is one of those things we take for granted when it's working. The trouble is, the body's main ventilation system has an "out of order" sign on it for a huge number of people. In fact, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) -- the umbrella name for chronic bronchitis and emphysema -- is currently the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and Canada.

Smoking is the prime risk factor for COPD, but plenty of nonsmokers get it, too. Yes, secondhand smoke and other lung irritants like pollution jack up your susceptibility. But the big news is that what you put on your plate can inflate your risk -- or let the air out.

The same stuff that makes your waistline and heart disease risk balloon inflates your chances of getting COPD -- specifically, eating a typical Western diet of refined grains, cured and red meats, desserts and fatty foods like French fries and nachos. Nasty nitrites found in processed meats, along with the high glycemic load of refined grains, desserts and sweets, may inflame your breathing apparatus and ultimately damage it. But generous portions of fruit, veggies, fish and whole grains may help bring you a breath of fresh air.

Another way to keep your breathing apparatus healthy: Get enough vitamin D. This vitamin may be able to help put out the fire of inflammation that leads to chronic lung disease. How much is enough? 1,000 IU every day if you're under age 60; 1,200 if you're older than that.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

This news arrived on: 06/08/2009

What a gorgeous bird, Nick. Thanks for sharing.

DonnaZ